Study Tips
Why do we study? Take tests? This is not so much about
regurgitating facts but about deepening your understanding of the
material—making it more real to you.
Vocabulary helps to focus in on specific details while
essays show our ability to make sense of large amounts of information and
provide meaning.
Studying may seem boring but it will strengthen your mind’s
ability to focus and to express your own understanding of history.
Vocabulary
1.
Check in with your own knowledge first. Write
down what you think the definition is. Do you know what the word means? Do you
have a sense of it but can’t necessarily define it? Are you confident to use it
in a sentence?
2.
Check to see if your definition is correct or
not. Look in your class notes first. If you cannot find it in your notes, look
in a history textbook or an encyclopedia at the library. If you still cannot
find an adequate definition, check online from a trustworthy website.
3.
Determine a clear and concise definition. A good
definition for historical terms should identify not only what the word means
but also include the pertinent dates or historical eras associated with the
word. You could also provide an example to strengthen the definition.
4.
After creating good definitions for each term it is time to
study! Index cards are a great way to test your knowledge. Place the term on
one side of the card. On the other side write the definition. Go through the
cards and quiz yourself—can you provide the definition from memory just by
looking at the word? It can also be helpful to color code the words or create a
mental image in your mind to remind you of what the word means.
Essays
There are eight essay questions. Four will be selected for
the exam. You will have to write ONE of those selected essays.
So you only really have to prepare for
five essays. Choose the five that you are most confident about. Create an
outline for each of these essays.
Write a strong and
clear thesis. Be sure to consider the historical context of the topic.
Choose three points
that will support your argument.
Answer the “so what
question” for the conclusion.
If you have time, you
could even write sample introductions or essays.
General Study Tips
Plan your time well
·
set aside a designated time to study and stick
to it!
·
allow yourself breaks but don’t lose focus—get
up, stretch and move around but don’t get lost on the internet or tv
·
give yourself little rewards for your
accomplishments
12:00-12:30 Look up
definitions for vocab
12:30-1:00 Create
flashcards
1:00-1:15 Take a break
1:15-2:00 Quiz self on
vocab
Celebrate your two
hours of studying with a piece of chocolate or something that makes you happy!
Create a good study environment
·
pick a place that is quiet
·
free yourself of distractions
·
turn off your phone and don’t check email or
Facebook
·
if you like to listen to music while you study,
try to select something that does not contain lyrics
·
share your notes and knowledge
·
quiz each other on vocab
·
create a thesis and sample outlines for each
essay and evaluate each other
What to do before the test
·
don’t cram the night before!
·
get a good night’s sleep
·
don’t stress yourself out—you know what’s on the
exam so you can be well prepared. Entering the exam with a clear and calm mind
will be more helpful than creating unnecessary anxiety for yourself.
·
Try to approach it as a fun challenge—an
opportunity to express your innate knowledge and wisdom. You got this!!
